Volkswagen Vento unveiled

The Volkswagen Vento, one of the most awaited compact sedans of this year, has finally been unveiled in ‘flesh and blood'.

The model, which has been specifically designed with the expectations and wants of Indian customers in mind, will be officially launched later this year. The compact sedan is likely to be positioned to compete with the likes of the Honda City and the Hyundai Verna on the higher price segment and with the Suzuki Swift DZire, the Fiat Linea and the Tata Indigo Manza on the lower price segment.

The new Vento will be available with both petrol and diesel engine variants. The petrol variant is equipped with a 1.6-litre engine with an output of 105PS @ 5,250 rpm and a peak torque of 153NM @ 3,800 rpm – the same unit that is expected to also be offered with the Polo. The diesel variant is also equipped with a 1.6-litre engine with an output of 105PS @ 4,400 rpm and a peak torque of 250 NM @ 1,500-2,500 rpm. The Vento will be available in two trim levels including Trendline and Highline.

The petrol variant has been paired with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gear box and the diesel variant is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The interior of the Vento looks very familiar and yet feels more upmarket compared to the Polo. The cabin is also equipped with loads of storage options such as the compartment in front doors for one-litre bottles and sunglass storage inside the glove box. Other features include the foldable roof handles with coat hooks, front and rear centre armrest, cupholders and the ‘Livon' fabric upholstery all of which interpret the Vento's interiors in a contemporary way.

For the exteriors too, VW engineers have chosen some subtle but premium add-ons, apart from the standard body coloured bumpers. There are chrome inlays in the front grille, body coloured exterior door handles and mirrors (only in the Highline trim), the rough road package with increased ground clearance and partially zinc coated body with six years anti-rust warranty.

To ensure that the safety aspect is adequately taken care of, the Vento Highline is equipped with ABS, front airbags for driver and the co-driver, anti-theft system with interior surveillance and back-up alarm.

The Vento will also be offered with other premium features like a CD Mp3 Player with four speakers, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, Climatronic automatic air conditioning with rear AC vents and a remote control for central locking. Most of these features will be offered only in the top-end, Highline variant. Multi-function info display including door opening warning and height adjustable driving seats are some standard features that will be offered.